Hilary has now been downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone by the National Hurricane Center as the storm continues to move its way through the southwestern United States. After a day where people were trapped in cars and climbing trees to escape, the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years left 25 million people under flood warnings.
Area schools are closed today.
The storm is continuing to bring life-threatening flooding and gusty winds, though conditions have improved from yesterday.
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Hilary has been downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone, which is a cyclone that no longer has enough tropical characteristics to be considered a tropical cyclone. However, it still can produce heavy rains and high winds. This comes after it knocked out the 911 system in Palm Springs for a time on Sunday, a place where residents were asked to stay home due to "unprecedented rainfall and flooding."
Today, the National Hurricane Center said that Hilary currently has winds of 35 mph with stronger gusts. It is located in central Nevada at the moment while heading northward at 29 mph.
While the storm may have moved on, the effects are still being felt across the southwest as cities grapple with flooding, mudslides, landslides, and debris flows today.
Strong winds are also expected to continue across portions of the western United States today. Meteorologists shared that they will be most notable in areas with high terrain.
While tropical storm warnings have been canceled, flood watches remain in place for more than 25 million people.
The storm crossed the U.S.-Mexico border into California on Sunday evening, becoming the first tropical storm to make landfall in California since Nora in 1997.
Rescue workers have been active across California and other areas hit by the storm.
The National Weather Service is forecasting that Hilary will dissipate over central Nevada on Monday, continuing to bring “potentially historic” rainfall, which could result in more floods.
“Areas that normally do not experience flash flooding will flood,” the National Weather Service said. “Lives and property are in great danger through Monday.”
Local officials are warning residents to take their evacuation orders seriously, as Mike McClintock, Battalion Chief with the San Bernardino Fire Department, said that even a foot of water can be deadly.
“If we ask you to evacuate, we don’t take that lightly,” said Mike McClintock, Battalion Chief with the San Bernardino Fire Department. “Just 12 inches of water can whisk away your car from the roadway.”
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